Insights on Work wishes its readers on the occasion of the 154th Gandhi Jayanti celebrated today, 2nd October 2023, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Let’s learn about Gandhi’s views on labor.
Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most iconic figures in modern history, was not only a champion of India’s independence but also a profound thinker in economics and labor relations. His economic ideals were deeply rooted in his broader political, sociological, and philosophical beliefs, all of which aimed at the moral development of human beings and the establishment of economic justice and equality. In this essay, we will explore Gandhi’s economic ideals, his trusteeship theory, and his views on various aspects of labor, industrial relations, and the relevance of his ideas in the 21st century.
Economic Ideas of Gandhi
Gandhi’s economic philosophy was built on the pillars of truth, non-violence, and Sarvodaya, the welfare of all. He believed that true welfare encompassed both material and spiritual well-being, emphasizing basic human needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Gandhi argued that wealth should not be concentrated beyond a certain point, and excessive materialism should be avoided. He firmly believed that economics should never compromise on ethical values.
One of Gandhi’s key economic concepts was the trusteeship theory. He proposed that the wealthy should consider their wealth as a trust for the benefit of society’s poor and use it accordingly. Similarly, laborers should act as trustees for the welfare of their fellow laborers. This principle emphasized mutual cooperation and collective well-being.
Dignity of labor: Bread labor
Gandhi stressed the importance of “bread labor,” meaning that individuals should earn their livelihood through physical work. He believed that everyone, from philosophers to ordinary laborers, should engage in physical labor and that no one should have the right to eat without contributing through physical labor. This kind of labor, viewed as a form of sacrifice, would simplify life, reduce excessive wants, and eliminate social hierarchies and disparities. Gandhi admitted that while achieving this ideal might be difficult, striving for it is worthwhile. He also clarified that intellectual work is important and has an undoubted place in the scheme of life, but it cannot be a substitute for physical labor.
Industrial Relations, Labor Rights and Duties
Gandhi considered laborers to be the backbone of any nation and emphasized that everyone should be proud of their work. He advocated for laborers’ rights to fair wages and humane working conditions while also stressing their duty to work to the best of their abilities.
Gandhi recognized the inherent conflict between labor and capital, driven by unequal power relations and goal incompatibility. Workers, often dependent on capitalists for employment, faced exploitation due to low bargaining power. Gandhi believed that the root cause of this conflict was the excessive focus on material factors at the expense of moral values.
Employer-Employee Relationship
Gandhi advocated for a harmonious relationship between employers and employees. He encouraged employers to treat workers fairly and consider their businesses as serving the common good. Similarly, workers were expected to treat their work as a form of service to society, demonstrating honesty and dedication.
Gandhi supported the formation of trade unions to protect the rights and interests of workers. He believed that these unions should operate on principles of non-violence, truth, and arbitration. They should also focus on education, healthcare, and other facilities for their members.
While Gandhi recognized the right to strike, he emphasized the importance of truth, non-violence, and cooperation. He believed that strikes should be a last resort and that both labor and management should aim for resolution through arbitration and cooperation.
Wages and Profits
Gandhi emphasized fair wages that allow workers to support themselves and provide education for their children. He promoted non-violent approaches and arbitration to convince capitalists to pay these fair wages. Gandhi also believed that large companies should link their profits to worker wages. He foresaw that organized labor would seek equitable price adjustments for the products they helped create, ending the practice of mills charging exorbitant prices solely for shareholder benefit. Gandhi underscored the importance of a balanced connection between dividends, wages, and prices.
Working Hours and Conditions
Gandhi proposed a reduction in working hours and argued that this reduction would improve the health of laborers without diminishing overall productivity.
He made several recommendations for improving working conditions, including:
- Providing workers with leisure hours
- Offering educational opportunities to workers
- Providing access to milk, clothing, and necessary education for children
- Providing sanitary housing
- Helping workers save for old age
Gandhi believed that mere wage increases were insufficient; the means by which workers received higher wages and how they used them were equally important. He encouraged workers to invest their increased wages in their children’s education and to utilize the saved hours for reading. He also suggested that employers and labor unions work together to create facilities for workers, such as economical restaurants, reading rooms, and entertainment and games.
Gandhi’s views on working hours and conditions have had a significant influence on the development of labor laws and social welfare programs around the world. He is considered one of the pioneers of the labor movement and a champion of workers’ rights.
Relevance of Gandhi’s Views on Labor in the 21st Century
Mahatma Gandhi’s economic principles and labor-related insights are still relevant in the 21st century. His emphasis on cooperation and harmonious relations between employers and employees is essential for economic prosperity. His guidance helps us navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. His enduring commitment to labor rights, including fair wages, humane working conditions, and the elimination of child labor, remains pivotal in the ongoing global struggle for social justice and the protection of labor rights. His principles provide valuable insights into how to promote fairness and equity in the workplace.
Gandhi’s advocacy for sustainability aligns with contemporary concerns about climate change and resource depletion. His call for reduced consumption and a minimalist lifestyle is crucial for adopting sustainable practices. Moreover, Gandhi’s unwavering belief in non-violence and arbitration as effective conflict resolution tools offers enduring solutions for peacefully addressing labor-related disputes.